Skip to Content
Art

Photo Essay: Homage to the Squad

Hunts Point – The Bronx

[dropcap size=big]T[/dropcap]hroughout my years shooting spontaneously on the street, I have come to realize that some of my favorite pics have been of squads, cliques, crews, collectives, gangs, families, sets, and communities. You can use any noun you would like. When I shoot, I get inspired by the collective energy of a group of people representing brotherhood, sisterhood, family, community, friendship, and love.

When I step up to a group of people in their element, there is a sense of confidence within the group. There is also a sense of energy. I ask them if I can take a pic and tell them to represent. I believe you can see for yourself what happens; the self-assurance and charisma that shines when a crew is representing.

There are deeper meanings and layers to the picture; in a deeper context, I think it symbolizes an act of defiance against mainstream culture and institutions like police, district attorneys, and courts that have historically demonized and oppressed squads, crews, cliques, and collectives that are mainly from black and brown communities in working class, urban environments.

Such unconstitutional acts like gang injunctions and stop-and-frisk have discouraged groups of black and brown youth from congregating in public. The full weight of the justice system, including harassment, and incarceration is used against groups that merely want to assemble.

When I am out shooting and I come across a crew, I recognize the significance and power of people organizing and becoming a collective. I see the importance of community, family, culture, history, and knowledge that is shared and passed down amongst people.

So this is a photographer's homage to the squad, crew, set, collective, or whatever word you feel is fitting...

Boyle Heights
Boyle Heights
Spanish Harlem
Spanish Harlem
Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Bed Stuy- Brooklyn
Bed Stuy- Brooklyn
Venice Beach
Venice Beach
Hunts Point - The Bronx
Hunts Point - The Bronx
South Central
South Central
Hunts Point - The Bronx
Hunts Point - The Bronx
Watts
Watts
Boyle Heights
Boyle Heights
Westlake
Westlake
Compton
Compton
PS1 Queens
PS1 Queens
Tijuana
Tijuana
East Hollywood
East Hollywood

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

A New Food Hall Just Opened at a Former Juvenile Detention Facility in Whittier

And a new Downtown pizza place from Issa Rae and friends, a Drag bingo night for Cinco de Mayo, and a promising new food hall in a former juvenile detention center now filled with murals and Estevan Oriol photos.

May 2, 2025

Revisiting ‘Mi Familia’ and the Main Filming Location In Boyle Heights 30 Years Later

Boyle Heights has changed since Gregory Nava filmed 'Mi Familia' 30 years ago, and gentrification threatens the neighborhood’s very essence. Unchangeable, however, is the commanding presence of the concrete viaduct at 4th and Lorena where he shot most of the iconic film.

May 1, 2025

Here Are All the Tacos Being Served At TACO MADNESS 2025

This is L.A.’s taco-soul on full display—diverse, delicious, and the best of the best available in one spot only this Saturday.

This Brazilian Barbecue On Wheels Makes The Best Picanha Sandwiches In L.A.

These slider-sized sandwiches are served five to an order for $16. Built on a split bun of pão de queijo, each contains a single wedge of picanha sliced perfectly to fit inside, slicked with a garlicky aioli and churrasco’s chunky longtime companion, the salsa known as molho a campanha.

May 1, 2025

People Drive Five Hours For These Brain Tacos In California

“No customer of mine leaves hungry,” says the taquero behind the very popular shop specializing in beef head tacos. “All my employees have the authority and approval to gift a free taco to new customers, even if they don’t buy anything. We want you to try it before you say no.”

April 30, 2025
See all posts